“Dauphine”, “Stick”, “Leaf”, “Breguet”: watch hands come in many shapes and sizes. More than functional indicators of time, they are a visual signature that gives life and identity to every timepiece.
At FEMTOPRINT, we bring this tradition into a new era with high-precision glass watch hands manufactured in fused silica and BF33 through advanced laser micromachining. Our innovation combines Swiss craftsmanship with cutting-edge microfabrication, delivering hands that are lighter and aesthetically unique.
Material choice is critical in watchmaking. Compared to sapphire, fused silica is almost twice as light at equal volume, and nearly four times lighter than brass—the conventional material for hands. This reduction in weight means less energy consumption, translating into a longer power reserve and improved accuracy in mechanical movements. With lighter hands, the heart of the watch works more efficiently, ensuring that precision lasts longer.
Unlike traditional brass, fused silica and BF33 enable transparent and polished hands, offering a new visual language in watch design. Our process allows for true 3D geometries with micron-level accuracy, meaning watch hands can now feature complex shapes, engraved details, luminescent pigments, or decorative optical effects that were previously impossible.
Whether you are designing a classic complication or an avant-garde creation, our hands deliver both lightweight durability and distinctive aesthetics, fully compatible with mechanical and quartz movements.
At FEMTOPRINT, our glass hands are crafted with bulk-engraved geometries and functional surface treatments that optimize contrast and legibility in every lighting condition. Thanks to our advanced microfabrication technology, we remove the constraints of traditional tooling, offering watchmakers unlimited creative freedom. From semi-transparent finishes to sculpted chamfers that integrate seamlessly with movements, our process supports both functional performance and storytelling through design.
· Ultra-lightweight design: fused silica is 2× lighter than sapphire, 4× lighter than brass
· Enhanced movement efficiency, extending power reserve and long-term precision
· Custom 3D geometries with micron-level accuracy
· Transparent, polished, matte, or textured surfaces
· Decorative options: engravings, fluorescent pigments, or optical patterns
· High-contrast coatings for maximum visibility
· Fully compatible with both mechanical and quartz movements
· 100% Swiss Made quality, from prototyping to production
Swiss Made Excellence: 100% Swiss-based manufacturing, from rapid prototyping to volume production, ensuring precision and authenticity.
Over 10 Years of Expertise: Trusted by leading watchmakers to transform innovative ideas into high-end, functional timepieces.
Uncompromising Quality: High-precision components meeting the most demanding standards in luxury watchmaking and microengineering.
Monolithic 3D Microfabrication: Unique glass components with complex geometries produced in a single piece, eliminating costly alignment and assembly steps.
Vertically Integrated Solutions: Functionalized with coatings, textures, and pigments, our 3D glass components are delivered ready for seamless integration into finished timepieces.
Certified Reliability: ISO 9001:2015 and RoHS compliance guarantee consistency, safety, and durability in every component we deliver.
Looking to elevate your next timepiece with innovative glass hands?
Connect with our team at FEMTOPRINT for tailored solutions, rapid prototyping, or technical consultations.
Swiss Made, thus supporting our clients with 100% Swiss-based manufacturing, from prototyping to volume production.
10+ years of engineering expertise in helping watchmakers to unveil true innovative timepieces.
High-quality and high-precision components for the most demanding applications.
Vertically integrated solutions providing unique glass 3D components, functionalized and ready to be integrated into finished products.
ISO 9001:2015 and RoHS compliance.
